Doula

Is anyone having or have you had a Doula?
DH and I took a class yesterday regarding birthing/labor/Lamaze and I've heard about a Doula but never thought he'd want one. Now he's interested. We are going to be contacting one but wondering who has used one and whether you think it's worth it and who is going to be using one.

Doula

I'm not using a doula for labor/delivery, but am using one for placenta encapsulation and Noelle Beutler came highly recommended. She is easy to find on facebook and very patient with answering a million questions.

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Doula

I thought I wanted one but then I was nervous it would push DH to the sidelines

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Doula

oh definitely contact Noelle then bc she can do both for you!

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I used a doula for my intervention free/med free birth. I wanted to go natural and it was my first. I was planning a med free birth in a hospital and wanted someone who wasn't freaking out like me or DH to be able to think clearly if presented with situations that differed from my birth plan and help me advocate for myself. she also was to be helpful in pain management with massage or pressure points, or helping my husband to help me. ultimately i didn't need her in that capacity, because i turned out to be someone who really preferred to be left alone to labor. she turned out to be a great support for my husband who needed the reassurance that my animal-like behavior was normal and not indicative of a problem and she was also very helpful in coming up with creative ways to help me push more effectively, but she got my husband directly involved and she just instructed him. she was really great and i would definitely recommend a doula to anyone wanting a natural labor and birth, or first time parents who just want the support from someone experienced.

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Doula

If I didn't think my DH was going to be amazing in the delivery room AND have his mother who used to be a labor coach, I'd definitely get a doula. I just think I'd have too many people around. Everyone that I know that has had a doula have said it was one of the best decisions they made.

Doula

Does anyone have a recommendation for a Doula? I will be delivering at Stony Brook in July and this is my first baby.

I am interested in talking to a Doula but don't know where to begin/ who to call. I would really like to hear other's experiences with a Doula. This will be my first baby and my DH is unsure if he wants a Doula or not and I am still on the fence.

I would appreciate any help or input!

doula

Message edited 2/22/2016 9:00:07 AM.

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Message edited 2/22/2016 10:49:30 AM.

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I never thought I would've wanted a doula, but I met one at my birthing class this weekend and loved her. She was this crazy British lady and she really seemed to advocate for her patient- whatever their decision may be. I would've LOVED to have her at my birth, but she's going to be in England at the time! Still, I don't think it's necessary and I wouldn't want just anyone- I just really liked this lady!

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After having a very difficult unmedicated hospital delivery of my first baby I decided instead of doing another birth class I would hire a doula. My husband was skeptical but went along with it. Well it was an excellent decision because on the day my baby girl was born my Doula turned into my midwife and I had a wonderful surprise home delivery. Best money I have ever spent (and my husband agrees!). Doulas are priceless.